A four-wheel drive vehicle comprises: main drive wheels and sub-drive wheels; a first input rotating member; a first output rotating member; a second input rotating member; a second output rotating member; a first dog clutch; a second dog clutch; a synchromesh mechanism. In the case of canceling a disconnect state in which the power transmitting member interrupts power transmission from the drive power source and the sub-drive wheels, the control device controls an engagement torque of the coupling to a preset first torque and operates the synchromesh mechanism to engage the first dog clutch when it is determined that the rotation speeds are synchronized between the second input rotating member and the second output rotating member, and controls the engagement torque of the coupling to a second torque smaller than the first torque to engage the second dog clutch when it is determined that the first dog clutch is engaged.

A power delivery system includes a first inverter, a second inverter, and a turbocharger assist device. The first inverter is electrically connected to a primary bus and configured to receive electric current from an alternator via the primary bus to supply the electric current to a first load. The alternator generates the electric current based on mechanical energy received from an engine. The second inverter is electrically connected to a secondary bus discrete from the primary bus. The turbocharger assist device is mechanically connected to a turbocharger operably coupled to the engine. The turbocharger assist device is electrically connected to the secondary bus and configured to generate electric current based on rotation of a rotor of the turbocharger. The second inverter is configured to receive the electric current generated by the turbocharger assist device via the secondary bus to supply the electric current to a second load.

An axle assembly having an electric motor module, a drive pinion, and at least one rotor bearing assembly. The electric motor module may have a rotor. The rotor and the drive pinion may be rotatable about a first axis. The first rotor bearing assembly may extend between the drive pinion and the rotor.

A differential drive system includes an electric motor for generating an electric motor torque and an input planetary gear-set operatively connected to the electric motor to receive the electric motor torque. The input planetary gear-set has first, second, and third members. The first member receives the electric motor torque, the second member provides a first input torque in a first rotational direction in response to the electric motor torque, and the third member provides a second input torque in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, in response to the electric motor torque. The system also includes a first output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set, and providing a first output torque in response to the first input torque. The system additionally includes a second output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set and providing a second output torque in response to the second input torque.

A differential drive system includes an electric motor for generating an electric motor torque and an input planetary gear-set operatively connected to the electric motor to receive the electric motor torque. The input planetary gear-set has first, second, and third members. The first member receives the electric motor torque, the second member provides a first input torque in a first rotational direction in response to the electric motor torque, and the third member provides a second input torque in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, in response to the electric motor torque. The system also includes a first output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set, and providing a first output torque in response to the first input torque. The system additionally includes a second output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set and providing a second output torque in response to the second input torque.

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a vehicle configuration associated with an arrangement of a set of hub motors that are selectively attachable on driven wheels of the vehicle, loading a control setting according to the arrangement to one of a series configuration and a parallel configuration to indicate a power source for the driven wheels as one or more of a motor of the set of hub motors and a central propulsion system. The set of hub motors is structured to be selectively attached to the driven wheels without removing the driven wheels from the vehicle. The method includes managing power delivery to the set of hub motors and the central propulsion system of the vehicle to propel the vehicle according to the control setting.

A motive wheel and selectively attachable/detachable hub motor for an electric vehicle comprises an axle comprising an axle axis, outer end, and cylindrical axle hub; a wheel comprising an outer wheel surface, inner wheel surface, wheel hub configured for reversible rotatable disposition on the axle, and wheel rim configured to receive a tire; and a hub motor disposed proximate the outer wheel surface and configured for selective attachment to/detachment from the wheel and axle and comprising a cylindrical rotor and cylindrical stator, the cylindrical rotor configured for selective attachment to/detachment from the axle, the cylindrical stator extending away from the cylindrical rotor and configured for selective attachment to/detachment from the wheel hub, the hub motor configured for reversible rotation of the wheel and cylindrical stator, wherein upon attachment of the hub motor a motive wheel is provided, and wherein upon detachment of the hub motor a non-motive wheel is provided.

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a change in a wheel configuration associated with modifying an arrangement of hub motors that are selectively attachable on wheels of the vehicle, identifying attributes of the hub motors coupled with the wheels of the vehicle. The hub motors are structured to be attached to the wheels of the vehicle without removing the wheels from the vehicle. The method includes determining properties of the hub motors according to the attributes and the wheel configuration. Further, the method includes managing electrical power delivery to the hub motors to propel the vehicle according to the properties.

A drive force control system for a vehicle configured to allow a driver to find out a steering angle at which a wheel grips a road surface. In the vehicle, a torque distribution ratio to a pair of wheels turned by a steering wheel and another pair of wheels is changeable. A controller restricts a control to change the torque distribution ratio in the event of a slip of the pair of wheels, if a steering angle of the pair of wheels is changed to allow the pair of wheels to grip a road surface.

A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, and a disconnect device connected between the electric machine and the ground engaging apparatus. The traction control system includes one or more speed sensors to determine a differential speed of the disconnect device. The traction control system includes a controller determines when to disengage the disconnect device based in part upon the speed of the ground engaging apparatus exceeding an upper threshold.